asked the Taoiseach whether he will consider establishing a full Ministry for Sport during the remainder of the present Dáil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministry for Sport.
1.
A section has been set up in the Department of Education under a Parliamentary Secretary to deal with youth and sport activities throughout the country. The question of establishing a National Sports Council is under consideration in that Department.
I am satisfied that the arrangements thus made to cater for sport are adequate and that the setting up of a separate Ministry would not be warranted.
Is the Taoiseach seriously suggesting that present arrangements are adequate for recreational facilities for youth in this country?
I am not suggesting they are adequate but I suggest a good start has been made. A sum of £100,000 was provided last year and allocated among various sporting organisations, especially among those who are financially weaker. Similar provision has been made this year and the establishment of a National Sports Council to which I have referred is under consideration. We are proceeding on sound lines.
The sum of £100,000 is less than 2s per head of the youth of the country. We have had recent tragedies here——
We cannot discuss these matters; they were discussed at length last night. I am now calling Question No. 2.